Joint Replacement

Joint Replacement Surgery

Because Joint Replacement surgery involves replacing a joint that has been damaged or otherwise has impaired function, it’s a serious surgery that comes with a relatively lengthy recovery period. It can take up to six weeks before patients are able to move comfortably without support. Additionally, it can take as many as six months to one year before the surgery site has completely healed and patients are able to receive the full benefit of their replaced knee, hip, or other joints.

Our nurses and therapists understand the challenges that patients with Joint Replacements face. We’re familiar with the safety concerns and Mobility Issues that result from the procedure and are ready to help ensure that you or your loved one receives plenty of one-on-one attention to help stay on top of any complications that might arise.

Some common issues patients face after surgery include:

• Impaired Mobility
• Gait Instability
• Poor Balance
• Impaired Endurance
• Pain
• Incisional Infection
• Difficulty Completing Daily Tasks

As the surgical site heals, different challenges can arise. It’s important to have Skilled Nurses and Physical/Occupational Therapists on your side who can provide the care needed for proper recovery and who can adapt their care to your needs or your loved one’s needs as they evolve during the recovery process.

How Nursing Plus of Broward Can Help

The physician might determine that physical and/or occupational therapy is necessary after surgery, as well as Skilled Nursing care or even intermittent Home Health Aide Services.

At Nursing Plus of Broward, we can work with you to:

• Offer Skilled Nursing Care to help ensure your loved one recovers their strength and mobility safely and effectively.
• Assess the safety of the home and make smart changes to maximize the safety of the space for your loved one.
• Provide Physical Therapy to improve functional mobility and restore maximum function. They will train your loved one to get up/sit down safely from a chair, toilet, and/or bed. They will also teach/train him or her how to climb steps, maintain balance, and use a walker, cane, or crutches appropriately. And will provide your loved one with a home exercise program tailored to their needs.
• Administer Occupational Therapy to teach/train your loved one the skills needed to do everyday tasks such as putting on socks or getting dressed safely and appropriately.
• Establish other Occupational and Physical Therapies as approved by the patient’s physician to help improve their stability and balance.
• Provide Skilled Nurses (RNs/LPNs) to care for your loved one’s incision if necessary,  instruct him or her on their medication regimen, and assist with other medical issues that may arise or as deemed necessary by his/her physician.
• Have our Medical Social Workers provide you and/or your loved one with information about local and federal resources to help aid in the patient’s recovery.
• Provide education and training to family and/or caregivers to ensure the patient’s health is prioritized even when the home care staff is no longer needed in the home, the patient has reached their maximum potential and their goals have been met.
• Provide compassionate care throughout the healing process.

How can in-home care help after joint replacement surgery?

There is an increasing trend in hospitals and clinics to send joint replacement patients home as quickly as possible. This means it’s crucial to have a proper care plan in place for your loved one before they return home.

Ensuring your loved one’s home is prepared for their return ahead of time is of the utmost importance. With their mobility being limited, what may have been a small step previously can now become a hurdle. It’s important to take a critical look at the navigability and function of certain areas of the house, such as:

• Furniture
• Potential hazards (clutter, loose rugs, cords, poor lighting and more)
• Ability to use a wheelchair, walker or cane in the home
• Width of hallways
• Number and location of stairs
• Shower/bath configuration

Another important step in post-Joint Replacement surgery is proper incision/wound maintenance as well as a proper Physical/Occupational Therapy plan to increase mobility. Proper incision/Wound Care maintenance will help prevent any infections as well as any further complications. Having a Skilled Nurse assisting in you or your loved one’s care will ensure proper incision/wound maintenance and healing.

Working with the physician, our therapists will work through the treatment plan to help your loved improve their mobility and gain back as much independence as much possible. With a proper treatment plan in place, along with supportive therapists, you or your loved one can get through the recovery process while continuing to live in the comfort and safety of their own home.

Home Health Aide Services for Personal Care & Domestic Assistance

Our Home Health Aides can offer personal care assistance to individuals who are unable to perform these tasks on their own. This includes help with things like:

Benefits of a Licensed Nursing Plus Caregiver

Our clinicians are trained in caring for patients after Joint Replacement surgery. They understand the challenges you or your loved one faces and are able to help create a supportive environment that promotes recovery and good health.

For more information about how we can help your loved one recover from hip, knee, or any other type of joint replacement therapy or about our other services for non-medical home care in Hollywood, FL, reach out to the team at Nursing Plus of Broward today at 833-JFNURSE!